Looking for a dog breed thats not only friendly but also doesn’t shed? This can be a tough find and dog hair all over the place can get annoying and pesky to clean. You also don’t want an unfriendly breed that you can’t bring around others. So here are a few breeds that fit both areas, find the rest on Bustle!
13 Friendly Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
- Date:
- October 27, 2018
- Author:
- LUCIA PETERS
Dogs are great. Dog hair? Not so great, especially when it’s, y’know, all over everything you own. But hey, guess what? There do exist a number of friendly dog breeds that don’t shed — or at least, that shed very minimally. What’s more, a lot of these breeds are also considered hypoallergenic, so they’re less likely to cause problems for people with pet allergies. If you’ve been thinking about becoming a pupper parent, you could do worse than check out these options; not only are they cute and companionable, but also, your wardrobe and furniture will probably thank you for it.
First, though, a fundamental truth: All dogs with hair shed at least a little bit, and hypoallergenic dogs are not allergy-proof. Indeed, one study from 2011 explicitly found that so-called “hypoallergenic” dogs produce just as many allergens as non-hypoallergenic dogs do. However, some breeds do shed less than others — substantially less, in some cases — so if the idea of getting dog hair everywhere kind of freaks you out, but you still love dogs, there’s still likely to be a furry pal out there just for you.
Besides, having a dog around has proven health benefits for humans: They can help with depression, reduce your stress levels, and even aid heart health. If you’re thinking about adopting, these 13 breeds are both known for their sunny dispositions and their relatively low shedding habits. Could one of them be just the right companion for you? Maybe!
1. Water Dogs
Handout/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Both Portuguese and Spanish Water Dogs are low-shedding breeds with soft, curly coats. They’re also very similar in temperament, according to the website Dogvills; they are “intelligent and independent,” but also have “a strong loyalty and affectation at the same time.” These qualities make them very easy to train.
They were, however, bred for different purposes, despite the fact that both have a connection to the water: The Spanish Water Dog was bred to herd livestock and retrieve waterfowl, while the Portuguese Water Dog was meant to be a fisher’s helper, retrieving broken nets and the like. (Fun fact: Sunny and Bo Obama are both Portuguese Water Dogs.)
5. Basenji
Bred in the Congo to hunt small game and control rodent populations, Basenjis are both low-shedding and low-maintenance when it comes to their coats. They’re also not big barkers, which should satisfy pet owners (or neighbors) who prefer quieter pups.
They do have… uh… “unique” personalities, though; according to DogTime, they’re fiercely intelligent, friendly, and love to play, but they can also be incredibly stubborn: “A Basenji may know perfectly well all the commands you teach him, but whether he actually performs them will always be in question. He may think first and then obey, or he may decide there’s really no good reason to do as you ask,” the website’s page on the breed reads. Be prepared for some pushback if you adopt a Basenji.
6. Xoloitzcuintli
Also known simply as Xolos, Xoloitzcuintlis are ancient dogs, bred 3,000 years ago by the Aztec civilization. They come in three different sizes, as well as with two different hair situations: Small, medium, or large Xolos might be totally hairless, or they might have short, flat coats. The hairless variety obviously won’t shed at all, but you’ll still to give your pal some maintenance on a regular basis: Baths about once a month are recommended, followed up by a good moisturizer. You’ll also want to make sure you apply sunblock to your Xolo if they’re going to be outside for an extended amount of time.
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